Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not repentant and incapable of being reformed: Describes a person, especially a criminal, who shows no remorse and cannot be changed for the better.
   • Not reformed morally or spiritually: Refers to a nature, attitude, or belief system that remains stubbornly unchanged, especially in a negative or traditional sense.
   • Tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield: Characterized by a stubborn and obstinate refusal to change one's views or behavior.

Usage

The adjective "unregenerate" is typically used in formal or literary contexts to describe a person, their nature, or their beliefs. It carries a strong negative connotation of stubbornness and a lack of positive change. It is often used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "is" or "remains").

Examples

• Describing a person:

  • The judge condemned the unregenerate criminal who showed no remorse for his actions.
  • Despite years of therapy, he remained an unregenerate pessimist.

• Describing a nature or attitude:

  • The novel explores the conflict between spiritual hope and unregenerate human nature.
  • Her unregenerate pride prevented her from apologizing.

• Describing beliefs or systems:

  • The party was split between reformers and unregenerate conservatives.
  • He clung to his unregenerate views on the subject, ignoring all new evidence.

Advanced Usage

• "unregenerate" vs. "unregenerated": While sometimes used interchangeably, "unregenerate" is the standard form for the meanings described. "Unregenerated" is less common but can be used in similar contexts, particularly in theological discussions about spiritual rebirth.
• Theological Context: In religious discourse, "unregenerate" specifically refers to a soul that has not been spiritually reborn or renewed by divine grace.
  • The preacher spoke of the plight of the unregenerate soul.

Variants and Related Words

• Unregenerated (adj): A less common variant, often synonymous with "unregenerate," particularly emphasizing a lack of spiritual renewal.
• Regenerate (adj/verb): The direct antonym, meaning reformed, renewed, or spiritually reborn.
  • He hoped to regenerate the urban area. (verb)
  • A regenerate spirit filled with hope. (adjective)

Synonyms

• Unrepentant: Not feeling or expressing regret for one's sins or offenses.
• Incorrigible: Not able to be corrected, improved, or reformed.
• Obdurate: Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.
• Intransigent: Unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something.
• Die-hard: Stubbornly resisting change or clinging to a past attitude, often used for supporters of a cause.

Antonyms

• Repentant: Expressing or feeling sincere regret and remorse.
• Reformed: Having changed and improved one's ways, habits, or beliefs.
• Penitent: Feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong.
• Regenerate: Reformed or reborn, especially in a spiritual or moral sense.

Adjective

1. unrepentant and incapable of being reformed
   • an unregenerate criminal
2. not reformed morally or spiritually
   • unregenerate human nature
   • unregenerate conservatism
3. tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield